For our annual Back to School issue, we asked our contributors to share a few of their favorite things about Chicago with the city’s newest residents—though chances are even if you’re a lifer, you’ll find something here you’ve missed. We like to let our writers’ interests and obsessions lead where they may, so the picks are eclectic to say the least: from dance parties at the Hideout and discount textiles in Pilsen to a young girl’s diary gathering dust in the stacks at a U. of C. library and the entirety of Chicago’s street grid. We’ve got two verydifferent corners of the sprawling Art Institute, a real horror show, and a breathtaking collection of Tiffany glass where you’d least expect it.

We also want to hear your stories about your favorite people, places, and things in the city--go here to share them with the rest of the class.